Ronda Chervin received a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Fordham University and an MA in Religious Studies from Notre Dame Apostolic Institute. A widow, mother, and grandmother, she currently teaches philosophy at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut. Write to her at chervinronda@gmail.com.

"In accord with no. 55 of the instruction of the Congregation of Rites on music in the liturgy (March 5, 1967), the Conference of Bishops has determined that vernacular texts set to music composed in earlier periods may be used in liturgical services even though they may not conform in all details with the legitimately approved versions of liturgical texts (November, 1967). This decision authorizes the use of choral and other music in English when the older text is not precisely the same as the official version."
— Catholic Bishops for the dioceses of the United States (November, 1969)

The Saturday night before Pentecost this year I was at a parish with a large Guatamalan charismatic prayer group. The leaders were trained as lay preachers in Guatamala. They are magisterial and always tell the 250 strong group including many teens, that Mass and Confession are absolutely necessary and the prayer meeting is not a substitute. One of the leaders has a son of 19 in a wheel chair most of his life, totally disabled with a face that register only joy or numbness. He sometimes brings him to the prayer group. When this leader speaks passionately about trust in God he is so credible because of the way fathers this young man.

It is a terrific witness to me. I have found that any words of wisdom I try to offer in talks is always more credible because of surviving my son’s suicide without losing faith or becoming bitter.

What is the cross you bear that gives you credibility?

Read more blog entries by Dr. Ronda by visiting RONDAVIEW. Dr. Ronda Chervin has many free e-books and audios on her website rondachervin.com. If you go to her website and read or listen and then want to correspond with her she will be available. Her schedule does not permit, however, responding to comments on the Blog, though she enjoys reading them. Dr. Ronda’s newest project is spiritualityrunningtogod.com.

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